FloridaMakes
FloridaMakes is a Florida nonprofit serving as the state's official Manufacturing Extension Partnership, delivering workforce development, technology adoption, supply chain optimization, and performance assessments to over 877 small and mid-sized manufacturers statewide through a public-private partnership funded by NIST MEP and the State of Florida.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersOrlando, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What FloridaMakes does
FloridaMakes is a Florida-registered not-for-profit corporation (legal entity: MAF Center for Advanced Manufacturing Excellence, Inc.) that operates as the state's official representative of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network and NIST MEP. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Orlando, the organization delivers a portfolio of consulting, training, and assessment services to Florida manufacturers, with a stated mission of improving the productivity and technological performance of the state's manufacturing sector. Its core service lines include Performance Assessment, Continuous Improvement, Workforce Development, Executive Services, Technology Acceleration & Innovation, Cybersecurity, Market Development, Supply Chain Optimization, Standards & Regulatory Compliance, and Disaster Resources.
The organization's technology footprint centers on two proprietary platforms: Connex Florida, a supply chain solution database connecting manufacturers with suppliers and service providers, and the Manufacturing Matters FL workforce planning dashboard, which integrates employer workforce data with education-provider information. Underlying delivery is a regional field-sales model in which regional directors and business advisors engage manufacturers directly, supplemented by an alliance of regional manufacturers associations (South Florida Manufacturers Association, Manufacturers Association of Central Florida, Sarasota Manatee Manufacturers Association, and others). FloridaMakes also operates the Florida Manufacturing Career Center and the Florida Manufacturing & Supply Chain Advocacy Council.
The business model is that of a public-private partnership: the majority of services are provided to manufacturers at no cost or subsidized rates, funded by NIST MEP, the State of Florida, and industry partners. Direct revenue is limited to fee-for-service training, exemplified by the Leadership Series 101: Excellence In Manufacturing program priced at $1,200 per person, plus grant-funded programs such as the $600,000 Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant awarded in March 2026. As of Q1 2025, FloridaMakes reported cumulative economic impact exceeding $5 billion across 877 clients, including $3.6 billion in new and retained sales, $1 billion in new investment, $331 million in cost savings, and 27,884 jobs created and retained.
FloridaMakes firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- FloridaMakes
- Legal name
- MAF Center for Advanced Manufacturing Excellence, Inc.
- Website
- https://floridamakes.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- FloridaMakes is a Florida nonprofit serving as the state's official Manufacturing Extension Partnership, delivering workforce development, technology adoption, supply chain optimization, and performance assessments to over 877 small and mid-sized manufacturers statewide through a public-private partnership funded by NIST MEP and the State of Florida.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
FloridaMakes industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Manufacturing Extension Services
- NAICS
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (54), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (54169), Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services (5413)
- SIC
- Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)
- akta.pro primary industry
- MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) Engineering Consulting (BPAHAIAE)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Mechatronics Systems & Integration (EDAOAHAB)
Keywords
Where FloridaMakes is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Orlando
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
FloridaMakes business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Public-Private Partnership Funding: FloridaMakes operates as a statewide, industry-led public-private partnership funded by NIST MEP, State of Florida, and industry partners. No direct revenue generation model - services are provided to manufacturers typically at no-cost or subsidized rates.
- Training Program Fees: Fee-for-service training programs such as the Leadership Series 101 offered at $1,200 per person.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Leadership Series 101: Excellence In Manufacturing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
FloridaMakes product offering
Product offeringCore offering
FloridaMakes delivers consulting, training, assessment, and program services to Florida manufacturers as the state's official NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Core offerings span Workforce Development, Performance Assessment, Executive Services, Technology Acceleration & Innovation, Cybersecurity, Market Development, Continuous Improvement, Supply Chain Optimization, Standards & Regulatory Compliance, and Disaster Resources, supported by featured programs including the Connex Florida supply chain database, Florida Manufacturing Career Center, Leadership Series 101 training, and the Manufacturing Matters FL Dashboard.
Product overview
FloridaMakes is a service-based nonprofit organization operating as Florida's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Rather than a software product, FloridaMakes provides a comprehensive portfolio of consulting and support services organized around three value streams: technology adoption, talent development, and business growth. The core service offerings include Workforce Development (with apprenticeship programs and Lean Six Sigma training), Performance Assessment (enterprise and CoreValue assessments), Executive Services (CEO roundtables and strategic advisory), Technology Acceleration & Innovation (smart manufacturing support), Cybersecurity, Market Development, Continuous Improvement, Supply Chain Optimization, Standards & Regulatory Compliance, and Disaster Resources. Featured programs include Connex Florida (supply chain database), the Florida Manufacturing Career Center, and the Advocacy Council. Educational initiatives include the Leadership Series 101 training program and a monthly no-cost Webinar Series. FloridaMakes does not offer a traditional software product; all offerings are service-based consulting, training, and assessment programs delivered by manufacturing experts.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Workforce Development for Manufacturers Training and development programs for manufacturing employees, including apprenticeships and skills upskilling programs for new hires and existing workers in Florida.
- Performance Assessment Enterprise and CoreValue assessments that evaluate manufacturing company operations and identify improvement opportunities for Florida manufacturers.
- Executive Services Strategic advisory services including CEO roundtables and social media marketing guidance for manufacturing executives.
- Technology Acceleration & Innovation Smart manufacturing and technology adoption support including Smart Manufacturing Roadshow events and CESMII partnerships to accelerate Industry 4.0 adoption among Florida manufacturers.
- Cybersecurity Cybersecurity services for manufacturers including CMMC certification support and threat mitigation tailored to the manufacturing environment.
- Market Development Market research, competitive analysis, and business diversification support for Florida manufacturers seeking to grow into new markets.
- Continuous Improvement Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process optimization methodologies to improve manufacturing operations and drive measurable productivity gains.
- Supply Chain Optimization Supply chain analysis and optimization services supported by the Connex Florida database, helping manufacturers reduce disruption risks and improve supplier discovery.
- Standards & Regulatory Compliance Compliance support including ISO certification assistance (e.g., ISO 9001:2015) and other regulatory readiness services for Florida manufacturers.
- Disaster Resources Resources and support services provided to Florida manufacturers affected by natural disasters to help them recover and resume operations.
- Connex Florida Supply chain solution database connecting Florida manufacturers with suppliers and service providers, enabling supplier discovery and capability matching across the state.
- Florida Manufacturing Career Center Career platform connecting job seekers with manufacturing employment opportunities in Florida, supporting the talent pipeline for the state's manufacturers.
- Leadership Series 101: Excellence In Manufacturing Six-module leadership development course for supervisors, team leaders, and managers in manufacturing settings, covering topics from supervisor-to-leader transitions to entrepreneurial decision-making; priced at $1,200 per person.
- Manufacturing Matters FL Dashboard Workforce planning dashboard helping manufacturers identify workforce opportunities, connect with education providers, and make informed talent decisions across Florida.
Quantifiable outcome
- $893M total investments driven across 877 clients through Q1 2024
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use FloridaMakes
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
FloridaMakes technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
FloridaMakes partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.
- Samaritan CentersupportingCommunity partner for $600,000 Pathways Grant program. Supporting recruitment and placement by connecting manufacturers with job-ready candidates for apprenticeship programs.
- Elevance HealthsupportingCommunity partner for $600,000 Pathways Grant program. Supporting recruitment and placement by connecting manufacturers with job-ready candidates.
- Florida Department of EducationcoreAdministering the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant of $600,000 awarded to FloridaMakes for expanding registered apprenticeship programs for Florida manufacturers.
- CESMII (Smart Manufacturing Institute)coreCo-hosting Smart Manufacturing Roadshow events in Orlando and Tampa. The nationwide event series connects SMMs, MEPs, and ecosystem members with CESMII representatives to explore smart manufacturing technologies and applications.
- Manufacturers Association of Central Florida (MACF)coreCo-hosting Smart Manufacturing Roadshow Orlando event and other programs. Part of the FloridaMakes Network alliance of regional associations.
- City of Tampa - Development and Economic Opportunity DepartmentsupportingCo-hosting Smart Manufacturing Roadshow Tampa event at The City Center at Hanna Avenue.
- Robert MonacosupportingGulf Coast Regional Director at FloridaMakes leading Smart Manufacturing Roadshow Tampa initiative.
- Sarasota Manatee Manufacturers Association (SAMA)corePartnership on veteran-apprenticeship program with Chris-Craft and Orion Talent addressing workforce needs in Florida's boating industry.
- LIFT (American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute)coreFloridaMakes joined as a member of LIFT, the Department of Defense-supported national advanced materials manufacturing innovation institute. The partnership accelerates development of advanced manufacturing technology and talent across Florida by connecting member bases of manufacturers for technology development and commercialization on behalf of DoD and the broader Florida manufacturing base.
- Florida SBDC NetworkcoreRenewed MOU between FloridaMakes and the state's principal small business assistance provider. Partnership provides greater access to and awareness of training and resources for small manufacturers. Fostering greater communication, cross-referrals, understanding of each other's services, and collaboration on training and programs.
- Florida First Capital Finance CorporationcorePartnership to help Florida's small manufacturers grow their businesses and create jobs through increased access to capital and financial services.
- NIST MEP (National Institute of Standards and Technology - Manufacturing Extension Partnership)coreFloridaMakes is the official representative of the MEP National Network and NIST MEP in the state of Florida. Supported by NIST, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
- Orion TalentsupportingPartner in veteran-apprenticeship program addressing skilled labor shortage in Florida's boat manufacturing sector.
- Chris-CraftsupportingBoat manufacturer partner in veteran-apprenticeship program addressing workforce needs in Florida's $31 billion boating industry.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
FloridaMakes competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP): WMEP is Wisconsin's NIST MEP-affiliated nonprofit delivering Lean/continuous improvement, workforce, and growth services to state manufacturers under the same federal-state partnership framework that funds FloridaMakes.
- Impact Washington: Impact Washington is the Washington-state NIST MEP center offering lean manufacturing, workforce, and technology-advisory services to Pacific Northwest manufacturers through the same advisor-driven delivery model as FloridaMakes.
- New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP): NY MEP operates as New York state's affiliate of the federal Manufacturing Extension Partnership, providing similar technology acceleration, workforce, and operational support to in-state manufacturers under the same NIST MEP program as FloridaMakes.
- Catalyst Connection: Catalyst Connection is the NIST MEP center serving Pennsylvania manufacturers, providing the same combination of workforce development, operational assessments, technology adoption support, and business growth services through a regional advisor model — making it the closest structural analogue to FloridaMakes.
- California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC): CMTC is the California state MEP center delivering consulting, training, and technology-adoption support to small and mid-sized manufacturers across the state, operating under the same NIST MEP federal designation model as FloridaMakes.
- Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Ohio MEP): Ohio MEP is the Ohio state affiliate of the NIST MEP network, providing operational excellence, technology adoption, and workforce training to Ohio manufacturers — a structural peer to FloridaMakes sharing the MEP federal designation.
- Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center: Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center is the Michigan MEP-affiliated organization providing growth, technology, and talent services to Michigan manufacturers, making it a close functional peer to FloridaMakes within the federal MEP system.
Broad incumbents
- Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME): SME is a national professional society providing manufacturing training, certifications (CMfgE, Lean), and workforce-development resources — overlapping with FloridaMakes' Lean Six Sigma, apprenticeship, and educational training offerings.
- National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): NAM is the largest U.S. industry association for manufacturers, providing advocacy, peer learning, and thought leadership across the entire national manufacturing base — a broader incumbent counterpart to FloridaMakes' regional advocacy and peer-network capabilities.
Emerging players
- CESMII (Smart Manufacturing Institute): CESMII is the DOE-sponsored smart-manufacturing institute with which FloridaMakes actively co-hosts the Smart Manufacturing Roadshow. It is a complementary ecosystem partner and emerging player in the same advanced-manufacturing technology space that FloridaMakes now distributes into Florida.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
FloridaMakes social profiles
Digital presenceFloridaMakes financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
FloridaMakes leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
FloridaMakes funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
FloridaMakes M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about FloridaMakes
What does FloridaMakes do?
FloridaMakes delivers consulting, training, assessment, and program services to Florida manufacturers as the state's official NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Core offerings span Workforce Development, Performance Assessment, Executive Services, Technology Acceleration & Innovation, Cybersecurity, Market Development, Continuous Improvement, Supply Chain Optimization, Standards & Regulatory Compliance, and Disaster Resources, supported by featured programs including the Connex Florida supply chain database, Florida Manufacturing Career Center, Leadership Series 101 training, and the Manufacturing Matters FL Dashboard.
Is FloridaMakes a public or private company?
FloridaMakes is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was FloridaMakes founded?
FloridaMakes was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is FloridaMakes based?
FloridaMakes is headquartered in Orlando, United States, in the North America region.
How does FloridaMakes make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Public-Private Partnership Funding is the primary driver. The others are training Program Fees.
Who are FloridaMakes's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP), Impact Washington, New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP), Catalyst Connection, California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC), Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Ohio MEP) and Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center. Broad incumbents are Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). CESMII (Smart Manufacturing Institute) is listed as an emerging player.
Does FloridaMakes have an API?
No public API is recorded for FloridaMakes.
What industry is FloridaMakes in?
FloridaMakes's product category is Manufacturing Extension Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAHAIAE, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) Engineering Consulting, with a secondary code of EDAOAHAB, Mechatronics Systems & Integration. Its NAICS code is 54 and its SIC code is 8744.